{{tnr}}'''Robin Vos''' is a [[Republican Party|Republican]] member of the [[Wisconsin State Assembly]], representing the 63rd District since 2005. He previously served on the [[sunshinereview:Racine County, Wisconsin|Racine County]] Board from 1994-2004 and on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents from 1989-1991.

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{{tnr}}'''Robin Vos''' is a [[Republican Party|Republican]] member of the [[Wisconsin State Assembly]], representing District 63. He was first elected to the chamber in 2004. He has served as [[Speaker of the Assembly]] since 2013.<ref>[http://docs.legis.wi.gov/2013/related/proposals/ar1 ''Wisconsin State Legislature,'' " 2013 Assembly Resolution 1," January 7, 2013]</ref>

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He has worked as a congressional district director, legislative assistant, and small business owner.

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==Biography==

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Vos has worked as a congressional district director, legislative assistant, and small business owner.

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Vos is a member of Ducks Unlimited, Knights of Columbus, Leadership Council - National Federation of Independent Business, Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce, Racine County Republican Party, Racine Zoological Society, and the Racine/Kenosha Farm Bureau.<ref>[http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=51839 Project Vote Smart - Assemblyman Vos]</ref>

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Vos previously served on the [[Racine County, Wisconsin|Racine County]] Board from 1994 to 2004 and on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents from 1989 to 1991.<ref>[http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=51839 Project Vote Smart - Assemblyman Vos]</ref>

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==Issue positions==

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Vos did not provide answers to the 2008 Political Courage Test. The test provides voters with how a candidate would vote on the issues if elected.<ref>[http://votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=51839 Project Vote Smart - Assm. Vos ''Issue Positions'']</ref>

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==Committee assignments==

==Committee assignments==

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===2013-2014===

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At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Vos served on the following committees:

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{{Committee Assignments

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|State =Wisconsin

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|year =2013

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|Chamber =State Assembly

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|Chair1=Chair

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|Committee1 =Assembly Organization

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|Committee2 =Employment Relations

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|Chair2=Chair

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|Committee3 = Rules

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|Chair3 = Vice-chair

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|Committee4 = Employment Relations

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|Joint4 = Yes

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|Chair4 = Co-chair

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|Committee5 = Joint Legislative Council

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|Joint5 = Yes

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|Committee6 = Legislative Organization

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|Joint6 = Yes

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|Chair6 = Co-chair

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}}

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===2011-2012===

===2011-2012===

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In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Vos has been appointed to these committees:

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During the 2011-2012 legislative session, Vos served on these committees:

After [[Illinois]] increased it speed limit to 70 miles per hour, Vos gave support to a bill, forwarded by [[Wisconsin State Assembly|Assemblyman]] [[Paul Tittl]] ([[Republican|R]]), that would increase [[Wisconsin]]'s speed limit to 70 miles per hour. Tittl noted that Wisconsin was the sole state in the Midwest that still had a 65 miles per hour speed limit, despite the [[N.H. governor signs speed limit increase, joins other states in increasing interstate speed limits|recent uptick]] of states increasing their speed limits. However, [[State Senate Majority Leader]] [[Scott Fitzgerald]] ([[Republican|R]]) said that the [[Wisconsin State Senate|Senate]] did not plan to take up the issue any time soon, and [[Governor of Wisconsin|Governor]] [[Scott Walker]] ([[Republican|R]]) has not taken a position on the bill.<ref>[http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/275512/group/homepage/ ''The Associated Press'', "Wisconsin Assembly speaker supports raising state speed limits to 70 mph," August 18, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_23900035/wisconsin-officials-silent-speed-limit-increase ''The Associated Press'', "Wisconsin: 70 mph speed limit not a sure thing at Capitol," August 20, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://www.thenorthwestern.com/viewart/20130820/OSH0101/308200363/Drive-to-70-mph-may-hit-speed-bump?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|FRONTPAGE ''The Associated Press'', "Drive to 70 mph speed limit may hit bump," August 20, 2013]</ref>

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===Budget, 2011===

===Budget, 2011===

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“We said it’s time for government to go on a diet, and that’s exactly what we do in this budget,” Vos said.<ref>[http://www.wisconsinreporter.com/budget-outcome-known-but-debate-continues "Assembly passes budget at 3 a.m.," ''Wisconsin Reporter'', June 15th, 2011]</ref>

“We said it’s time for government to go on a diet, and that’s exactly what we do in this budget,” Vos said.<ref>[http://www.wisconsinreporter.com/budget-outcome-known-but-debate-continues "Assembly passes budget at 3 a.m.," ''Wisconsin Reporter'', June 15th, 2011]</ref>

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===Recall reform, 2011===

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===Recall reform===

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On August 10, Vos (R) announced his intent to draft legislation that would amend the [[Wisconsin Constitution]] to clarify the reasons for recall. <ref name=PR>[http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/asm63/Recalls.8.10.pdf Robin Vos' press release, Aug. 10, 2011]</ref> In a quote given to the ''Wisconsin Reporter,'' Vos said, "Losing an election does not mean you count down days until you can recall somebody," and that "despising someone should not rise to the level of a recallable offense." <ref>[http://www.wisconsinreporter.com/wmc-others-push-recall-reform ''Wisconsin Reporter.com,'' WMC, others push recall reform, Aug. 17, 2011]</ref>

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On August 10, Vos (R) announced his intent to draft legislation that would amend the [[Wisconsin Constitution]] to clarify the reasons for recall.<ref name=PR>[http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/asm63/Recalls.8.10.pdf Robin Vos' press release, Aug. 10, 2011]</ref> In a quote given to the ''Wisconsin Reporter,'' Vos said, "Losing an election does not mean you count down days until you can recall somebody," and that "despising someone should not rise to the level of a recallable offense."<ref>[http://www.wisconsinreporter.com/wmc-others-push-recall-reform ''Wisconsin Reporter.com,'' WMC, others push recall reform, Aug. 17, 2011]</ref>

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In his press release, Vos said, "No longer should taxpayer dollars be wasted on unnecessary recall elections that were triggered by a vote that some special interest group didn’t like. It undermines our democracy and wastes precious taxpayer dollars that are needed elsewhere." <ref name=PR/>

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In his press release, Vos said, "No longer should taxpayer dollars be wasted on unnecessary recall elections that were triggered by a vote that some special interest group didn’t like. It undermines our democracy and wastes precious taxpayer dollars that are needed elsewhere."<ref name=PR/>

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Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), a business association with about 4,000 members, has recently thrown its support behind Vos' efforts. A statement on the organization's website outlined the group's position. "As we all know, uncertainty and political instability are not good for job creation. That’s why WMC will be supporting recall reform in Wisconsin." <ref>[http://www.wmc.org/MediaOutlet/display.cfm?ID=2533 ''WMC,'' Wisconsin Needs Recall Reform, accessed Aug. 22, 2011]</ref>

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Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), a business association with about 4,000 members, threw its support behind Vos' efforts. A statement on the organization's website outlined the group's position. "As we all know, uncertainty and political instability are not good for job creation. That’s why WMC will be supporting recall reform in Wisconsin."<ref>[http://www.wmc.org/MediaOutlet/display.cfm?ID=2533 ''WMC,'' Wisconsin Needs Recall Reform, accessed Aug. 22, 2011]</ref>

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Among those opposing the idea is [[Wisconsin State Assembly|Assembly]] Democratic Leader [[Peter Barca]]. Barca issued the following statement in an August press release:<ref>[http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/barca/pressreleases/Pages/Statement%20from%20Rep.%20Barca%20on%20Rep.%20Vos%27%20recall%20bill.aspx ''Wisconsin State Assembly,'' Rep. Barca: Statement on Rep. Vos’ recall bill, Aug. 11, 2011]</ref>

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Among those opposing the idea were [[Wisconsin State Assembly|Assembly]] [[Democratic]] Leader [[Peter Barca]]. Barca issued the following statement in an August press release:<ref>[http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/barca/pressreleases/Pages/Statement%20from%20Rep.%20Barca%20on%20Rep.%20Vos%27%20recall%20bill.aspx ''Wisconsin State Assembly,'' Rep. Barca: Statement on Rep. Vos’ recall bill, Aug. 11, 2011]</ref>

::"Floating this constitutional amendment the day after successful recall elections that held legislators accountable appears to indicate that Republicans are frightened that future actions to hold them accountable will also be successful. We must encourage and build on the amazing outpouring of public involvement in democracy that we have seen this year."

::"Floating this constitutional amendment the day after successful recall elections that held legislators accountable appears to indicate that Republicans are frightened that future actions to hold them accountable will also be successful. We must encourage and build on the amazing outpouring of public involvement in democracy that we have seen this year."

According to [[Article XIII, Wisconsin Constitution#Section 12|Article 13, section 12]], the state constitution gives only these stipulations for recall:

According to [[Article XIII, Wisconsin Constitution#Section 12|Article 13, section 12]], the state constitution gives only these stipulations for recall:

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*To initiate a recall against a legislator, a recall petition needs to be signed by electors equaling at least twenty-five percent of the vote cast for the office of governor at the last preceding election, in the state, county or district which the incumbent represents

*To initiate a recall against a legislator, a recall petition needs to be signed by electors equaling at least twenty-five percent of the vote cast for the office of governor at the last preceding election, in the state, county or district which the incumbent represents

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Presently, there is no requirement for state level recall petitions to declare a reason why the targeted legislator should be recalled. A reason is currently required at the local level. Vos' amendment would seek to unify the state and local requirements, thereby incorporating into state recall law a mandate requiring petitions to include a valid reason for recall. <ref name=PR/>

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Under the constitution without the amendment, the state had no requirement for state level recall petitions to declare a reason why the targeted legislator should be recalled. A reason is currently required at the local level. Vos' amendment sought to unify the state and local requirements, thereby incorporating into state recall law a mandate requiring petitions to include a valid reason for recall.<ref name=PR/>

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Vos is scheduled to introduce the constitutional amendment during the [[Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions|fall legislative session]]. It is intended to be the first piece of bi-partisan legislation introduced this September. <ref name=PR/> In order to become law, a Constitutional amendment must pass two sessions of the Legislature and be approved in a statewide referendum.

*AB-225 Mandatory minimum sentences for certain child sex crimes applied only if convicted person was under age 18

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For a full listing of sponsored legislation and details see the [http://nxt.legis.state.wi.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&d=indxauth&jd=A63 House site].

==Elections==

==Elections==

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:: ''See also: [[Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2012]]''

:: ''See also: [[Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2012]]''

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Vos is running in the [[State legislative elections, 2012|2012 election]] for [[Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2012|Wisconsin State Assembly]] [[Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2012#District 63|District 63]]. Vos ran unopposed in the [[Republican]] primary on August 14, 2012. [[Kelley Albrecht]] ran unopposed in the [[Democratic]] primary. The general election takes place on November 6, 2012.<ref>[http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/page/candidates_on_ballot_08_14_12_partisan_primary_pdf_18477.PDF ''Wisconsin Government Accountability Board'', "Candidates on Ballot by Election - 2012 Partisan Primary 8/14/2012," retrieved June 12, 2012]</ref>

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Vos won re-election in the [[State legislative elections, 2012|2012 election]] for [[Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2012|Wisconsin State Assembly]] [[Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2012#District 63|District 63]]. Vos ran unopposed in the [[Republican]] primary on August 14 and defeated [[Kelley Albrecht]] (D) in the general election on November 6, 2012.<ref>[http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/page/candidates_on_ballot_08_14_12_partisan_primary_pdf_18477.PDF ''Wisconsin Government Accountability Board'', "Candidates on Ballot by Election - 2012 Partisan Primary 8/14/2012," retrieved June 12, 2012]</ref>

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{{Election box 2012

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|Collapse =

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|Chamber = Wisconsin State Assembly, District 63, General Election

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|party1 =Republican

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|party2 = Democratic

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|party3 =-

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|winner1 = Robin Vos

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|Inc1 =Y

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|candidate2 =Kelley Albrecht

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|candidate3 =''Scattering''

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|votes1 = 17704

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|votes2 =12637

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|votes3 =21

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}}

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===2010===

===2010===

:: ''See also: [[Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2010]]''

:: ''See also: [[Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2010]]''

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Vos was re-elected to [[Wisconsin State Assembly]] District 63. He was unopposed in the [[Primary election dates in 2010|September 14, 2010]] primary election and in the general election on [[State legislative elections, 2010|November 2, 2010]].<ref>[http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/result/primary_percentage_results_78075.pdf Official GAB primary results]</ref>

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Vos was re-elected to [[Wisconsin State Assembly]] District 63. He was unopposed in the [[Primary election dates in 2010|September 14, 2010]], primary election and in the general election on [[State legislative elections, 2010|November 2, 2010]].<ref>[http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/result/primary_percentage_results_78075.pdf Official GAB primary results]</ref>

{{Votepercentbox |

{{Votepercentbox |

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==Sponsored legislation==

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==Campaign donors==

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Legislation sponsored in 2009 includes:

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{{Comprehensive donor history

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*AB-120 State agency expenditures, contracts, and grants: DOA required to make available on a Web site

In 2010, Vos received $119,689 in campaign donations. The top contributors are listed below.<ref>[http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/state_candidates.phtml?s=WI&y=2010&f=H&so=O#sorttable Follow the Money - 2010 contributions]</ref>

Vos is a member of Ducks Unlimited, Knights of Columbus, Leadership Council - National Federation of Independent Business, Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce, Racine County Republican Party, Racine Zoological Society, and the Racine/Kenosha Farm Bureau.<ref>[http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=51839 Project Vote Smart - Assemblyman Vos]</ref>

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==Controveries==

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===Milwaukee policing===

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Vos refuted Mayor of Milwaukee [[Tom Barrett]]'s request for state funding to help combat crime in Milwaukee by implying that the city's current policing strategies needed to be more effective before state funds were contributed. Saying he was still open to the city's request for $500,000, Vos stated, "There's been a dramatic decline in the number of officers who are patrolling," adding "I think those are bad decisions that have been made by the city. ...I certainly don't want to exacerbate those, but we need to have them step up first. They have created a lot of these problems with the policies that have been implemented," according to the ''[http://www.jsonline.com/ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]''. In response, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn released a statement arguing that it was "obvious that Representative Vos has been intentionally misinformed." Flynn's office noted that there are fewer officer vacancies and more filled positions since Flynn arrived in 2007, and that violent crime is actually down.<ref>[http://www.jsonline.com/news/shootings13-b9974167z1-219329131.html ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', "Chief Edward Flynn calls Assembly Speaker Vos "intentionally misinformed" on Milwaukee crime numbers," August 12, 2013]</ref>

==Recent news==

==Recent news==

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This section displays the most recent stories in a Google News search for the term "'''Robin + Vos + Wisconsin + Assembly'''"

This section displays the most recent stories in a Google News search for the term "'''Robin + Vos + Wisconsin + Assembly'''"

:''All stories may not be relevant to this legislator due to the nature of the search engine.''

:''All stories may not be relevant to this legislator due to the nature of the search engine.''

Budget, 2011

The 2011 budget battle in Wisconsin was particularly unusual and contentious. Gov. Scott Walker's bill faced opposition from Democrats and citizen protestors in Madison, Wisconsin. At 3 a.m. on June 15, 2011, the Assembly passed the bill.

At one point in the process, Democrats introduced a wide-reaching amendment that would restore funding to public schools while, in part, nixing provisions for expanding the school vouchers program. When they introduced this, speakers argued that Republicans were rewarding school-voucher proponents who made campaign contributions.

“I did not take the time to look at how much (the state teachers union Wisconsin Education Association Council) gave to all of you to guarantee that you would offer amendments like this,” said Rep. Robin Vos in response.

Vos then said school districts beyond Milwaukee have problems — notably Racine, where Republicans hope to allow vouchers.

While Democrats called the budget an attack on middle-class families that includes $800 million in cuts to schools, Republicans say it is the first responsible budget in years.

“We said it’s time for government to go on a diet, and that’s exactly what we do in this budget,” Vos said.[6]

Recall reform

On August 10, Vos (R) announced his intent to draft legislation that would amend the Wisconsin Constitution to clarify the reasons for recall.[7] In a quote given to the Wisconsin Reporter, Vos said, "Losing an election does not mean you count down days until you can recall somebody," and that "despising someone should not rise to the level of a recallable offense."[8]

In his press release, Vos said, "No longer should taxpayer dollars be wasted on unnecessary recall elections that were triggered by a vote that some special interest group didn’t like. It undermines our democracy and wastes precious taxpayer dollars that are needed elsewhere."[7]

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), a business association with about 4,000 members, threw its support behind Vos' efforts. A statement on the organization's website outlined the group's position. "As we all know, uncertainty and political instability are not good for job creation. That’s why WMC will be supporting recall reform in Wisconsin."[9]

"Floating this constitutional amendment the day after successful recall elections that held legislators accountable appears to indicate that Republicans are frightened that future actions to hold them accountable will also be successful. We must encourage and build on the amazing outpouring of public involvement in democracy that we have seen this year."

Legislators must have served at least one year to be eligible for recall

To initiate a recall against a legislator, a recall petition needs to be signed by electors equaling at least twenty-five percent of the vote cast for the office of governor at the last preceding election, in the state, county or district which the incumbent represents

Under the constitution without the amendment, the state had no requirement for state level recall petitions to declare a reason why the targeted legislator should be recalled. A reason is currently required at the local level. Vos' amendment sought to unify the state and local requirements, thereby incorporating into state recall law a mandate requiring petitions to include a valid reason for recall.[7]

Vos's amendment passed the Assembly but did not pass the Senate. Representative Jim Steineke (R) introduced a similar amendment in 2013.[7][11]

Sponsored legislation

Legislation sponsored in 2009 includes:

AB-120 State agency expenditures, contracts, and grants: DOA required to make available on a Web site

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for Vos is available dating back to 2004. Based on available campaign finance records, Vos raised a total of $2,370,583 during that time period. This information was last updated on June 6, 2013.[14]

Personal

Vos is a member of Ducks Unlimited, Knights of Columbus, Leadership Council - National Federation of Independent Business, Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce, Racine County Republican Party, Racine Zoological Society, and the Racine/Kenosha Farm Bureau.[15]

Controveries

Milwaukee policing

Vos refuted Mayor of Milwaukee Tom Barrett's request for state funding to help combat crime in Milwaukee by implying that the city's current policing strategies needed to be more effective before state funds were contributed. Saying he was still open to the city's request for $500,000, Vos stated, "There's been a dramatic decline in the number of officers who are patrolling," adding "I think those are bad decisions that have been made by the city. ...I certainly don't want to exacerbate those, but we need to have them step up first. They have created a lot of these problems with the policies that have been implemented," according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In response, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn released a statement arguing that it was "obvious that Representative Vos has been intentionally misinformed." Flynn's office noted that there are fewer officer vacancies and more filled positions since Flynn arrived in 2007, and that violent crime is actually down.[16]